Beauty… My Word for 2014

Images Via: Simply Happenstance Blog

 :: Beauty… My Word for 2014 ::

With the beginning of 2014, I’ve noticed that several of my favorite blogs have posted their “best of 2013,” a look back in photographs, or a roundup of their top-rated recipes. A few have even chosen a single word to represent the New Year… a simple reminder of their personal goals for 2014. I loved this idea, so I decided to do the same.

Images via: Simply Happenstance BlogLooking back at 2013, I’d have to say that my word was TRUST. It was a big year for my family. Exactly a year ago marked our trip to Mammoth Lakes in California… which changed everything. It got us thinking… and talking… about our lives, our goals for our family, what we valued, and what our hopes were for our sweet four. [Read more…]

Winter Break Fun

Winter Break Activity Ideas {via Simply Happenstance Blog}

Winter Break is upon us! This is the first year that we are homeschooling… but we still have a two-week break from school. Just like many of you… it has me already thinking of how I am going to structure my childrens’ time and keep them busy so they don’t bicker incessantly, and beg for screen time {wink, wink}.

Part of the great joy of Winter Break, is knowing that you have some much needed down time where you don’t have to contend with packing lunches, getting the kids out the door on time, and rigid schedules. Although it always sounds good in your head to wake up to lazy pajama days every morning… I can almost guarantee that a few days in, you’ll be wanting a bit more structure {and a plan}, to keep their little minds learning, exploring, and creating. Here are a few easy tips to help your Winter Break go smoothly with a few additional links for great ideas and activities!  [Read more…]

Stella & Dot Holiday Favorites!

Holiday Favorites 

‘Tis the season for gift giving! Nicole and I have some fabulous finds to share with you from our favorite, Stella & Dot!  Their jewelry, bags, and accessories are lovely gifts for  family, friends, teachers, and co-workers! Stella’s pieces also make for the perfect hostess gift! {Many of the items we featured are currently on sale!} Simply click here or on the images below to browse the latest items! Hmm… I’m thinking that maybe Nicole and I should write our own Christmas Wish List to Santa this year with a few of these glamorous baubles {wink, wink}!  [Read more…]

DIY Pinecone Garland

 

DIY Pinecone Garland {via Simply Happenstance}

Since moving to the mountains a few months ago… I’ve completely fallen in love with pinecones! Of course, where we live… there’s an abundance! I knew for the holidays I wanted to make a pinecone garland because it looks natural, and fits perfectly in our new mountain setting. I figured the garland would last through Thanksgiving and Christmas, serving as winter decor, as well!  To make it a bit more festive… I added some gold paint and sparkles… because I am just a tad obsessed with gold {in case you didn’t already know that – wink, wink}… and all things sparkly! 

So, for this lovely DIY… you will need only a few supplies which can be purchased at a hardware store {such as Home Depot}, or craft store {such as Michael’s}. You will need: spray paint {I used gold metallic}, glitter  {I used Martha Stewart’s Yellow Gold}, eye hook screws {the size depends on the size of your pinecones}, and jute twine, string, or ribbon.

DIY Pinecone Garland - Supply List {Simply Happenstance}

[Read more…]

Albion Fit + $100 Giveaway!

69867_626833470666673_1245833322_n

Nicole and I love finding companies that offer great quality products for women! Albion Fit, happens to be one of them! We both have workout jackets from Albion that we completely adore! The fabric is super soft, stretchy, and ruched in all the right places! The torsos are long on the jackets, providing both coverage and comfort! We are so thrilled to be able to share all of their stylish, yet functional clothing with you!

As women, we lead such busy lives! We hustle to work, take care of the kids, work out, run errands, volunteer, meet with friends, and manage our busy households. There are many days where we need an outfit that is practical and fashionable at the same time. Albion’s mission is to provide women with the most “luxurious, flattering, and hassle-free fitness and leisure apparel on the market.” They are committed to the environment by using earth friendly materials in their products. In addition, they are a family owned business that guarantees the satisfaction of every article of clothing that they sell. Sounds fantastic, right?

 Albion Giveaway Collage

In addition to workout and lounge wear… Albion offers swimsuits! We love their sense of style! Many of the pieces are vintage-inspired with high waists and frilly details! Most are modest and flatter a real woman’s curves. You have to take a look for yourself!

 Albion Swim

Simply Happenstance has paired up with Albion! We are excited to offer our readers a fantastic GIVEAWAY! One lucky reader will win a $100 Gift Card to use on the Albion website! The details to enter the drawing are below! In addition to the fantastic giveaway, Albion is also offering you a $20 discount off any purchase of $100 or more! Just use the code happenstance20 at checkout! {This offer expires Tuesday, October 29th, 2013.}

a Rafflecopter giveaway

[Read more…]

Let’s Be Friends, Blog Hop

 

Hey friends!

It is time for the Let’s Be Friends Blog Hop #29!

Link up to gain new followers on GFC or bloglovin’!

Promote this blog hop by putting the button on your page, or throwing a shout out at the end of your post today or tomorrow.

The more link ups we have the more our blogs will grow!

Invite a friend, tweet it, or let your Facebook friends know! 

Make sure to follow the hosts and co-hosts!

PS- I have some great giveaways going on right now and coming up!

Scroll down to check them out and stay tuned also!

Have fun and meet some friends! [Read more…]